LESSON 65

My only function is the one God gave me.

1 The idea for
today reaffirms your commitment to salvation. It also reminds you
that you have no function other than that. Both these thoughts are
obviously necessary for a total commitment. Salvation cannot be the
only purpose you hold while you still cherish others. The full
acceptance of salvation as your only function necessarily entails two
phases; the recognition of salvation as your function, and the
relinquishment of all the other goals you have invented for
yourself.

2 This is the
only way in which you can take your rightful place among the saviors
of the world. This is the only way in which you can say and mean,
"My only function is the one God gave me." This is the only
way in which you can find peace of mind.

3 Today, and
for a number of days to follow, set aside ten to fifteen minutes for
a more sustained practice period, in which you try to understand and
accept what the idea for the day really means. Today's idea
offers you escape from all your perceived difficulties. It places the
key to the door of peace, which you have closed upon yourself, in
your own hands. It gives you the answer to all the searching you have
done since time began.

4 Try, if
possible, to undertake the daily extended practice periods at
approximately the same time each day. Try, also, to determine this
time in advance, and then adhere to it as closely as possible. The
purpose of this is to arrange your day so that you have set apart the
time for God, as well as for all the trivial purposes and goals you
will pursue. This is part of the long-range disciplinary training
your mind needs, so that the Holy Spirit can use it consistently for
the purpose He shares with you.

5 For the
longer practice period, begin by reviewing the idea for the day. Then
close your eyes, repeat the idea to yourself once again, and watch
your mind carefully to catch whatever thoughts cross it. At first,
make no attempt to concentrate only on thoughts related to the idea
for the day. Rather, try to uncover each thought that arises to
interfere with it. Note each one as it comes to you, with as little
involvement or concern as possible, dismissing each one by telling
yourself:

This thought reflects a goal that is preventing me
from accepting my only function.

6 After a
while, interfering thoughts will become harder to find. Try, however,
to continue a minute or so longer, attempting to catch a few of the
idle thoughts that escaped your attention before, but do not strain
or make undue effort in doing this. Then tell yourself:

On this clean slate let my true function be
written for me.

You need not use these exact words,
but try to get the sense of being willing to have your illusions of
purpose be replaced by truth.

7 Finally,
repeat the idea for today once more, and devote the rest of the
practice period to trying to focus on its importance to you, the
relief its acceptance will bring you by resolving your conflicts once
and for all, and the extent to which you really want salvation in
spite of your own foolish ideas to the contrary.

8 In the
shorter practice periods, which should be undertaken at least once an
hour, use this form in applying today's idea:

My only function is the one God gave me. I want no
other and I have no other.

Sometimes close your eyes as you
practice this, and sometimes keep them open and look about you. It is
what you see now that will be totally changed when you accept
today's idea completely.